The upcoming five-Test series between England and India is generating considerable buzz, with former players weighing in on the potential outcome. The series, scheduled to begin on June 20th at Headingley in Leeds, marks the start of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle. Former England spinner Graeme Swann views the series as an ideal preparation for the Ashes, while former Australian captain Michael Clarke has offered a bold prediction.
Swann believes that England needs to win the series convincingly, especially given that the matches are on home soil. He acknowledges that India will be without key players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have recently retired from Test cricket. However, Swann cautions against complacency, stating that India still possesses enough talent in both batting and bowling to pose a significant challenge. He anticipates that England's bowlers will exploit their home conditions effectively. Swann stated, "It's kind of the perfect warm up for the Ashes, to be honest...So in our own backyard, our home turf, we need to beat India. We need to play well. They're not going to have Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma...So without that, yes, they've got great players coming in instead, but we've got bowlers who exploit our conditions well, who can bowl really well,". He further added, "I think England must look to win this series, and I think they should look to win it convincingly as well. I'll take 4-1, 3-2 at a push, but I really hope we do do well and get the confidence moving into the Ashes."
Despite India missing experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, Michael Clarke believes India has enough talent to win the series. He believes the absence of these players could allow the younger players to play fearless cricket. Clarke also pinpointed Kuldeep Yadav as a potential game-changer. Clarke predicts India will win the series 3-2. Clarke stated, "It's going to be 3-2. There you go. I'm going for India...I'm going to watch India play at Lord's...so I'm going for India. I want them to win 3-2,". He recognizes the inexperience within the Indian squad but suggests that this could be a positive, enabling them to play with a fearless attitude. He said, "Well, yes, I do give them a chance, but it's a lot more inexperienced team than the one I expected to be on a plane to England. Having no Rohit Sharma, no Virat Kohli, is huge."
The series presents a significant opportunity for India to secure their first Test series win in England since 2007. However, they will need to overcome the challenges of unfamiliar conditions and a determined England side. The absence of Kohli and Sharma undoubtedly weakens the Indian batting lineup, placing greater responsibility on the shoulders of players like Shubman Gill, who has been appointed as the Test captain. Jos Buttler believes Shubman Gill will blend the leadership styles of his predecessors while forging his own path.
The five Test matches are scheduled to be played at: * Headingley, Leeds (June 20-24) * Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2-6) * Lord's, London (July 10-14) * Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23-27) * The Oval, London (July 31-August 4)
Both teams will be eager to start the new World Test Championship cycle on a positive note.
